ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The holidays are supposed to be about family, togetherness and joy. But for one Rochester family, Christmas will forever be marked by an empty chair, a missing voice and a pain that doesn’t fade with time.
For Cynthia Graham and her daughter Shermesha, “Poppy” is more than a nickname. It’s the heartbeat of their family. And when they talk about Vernel “Poppy” Rose, they begin with life — not loss.
“He was very energetic, into sports, music, family, his siblings, dancing…,” said Graham…